The signature three-element taillamps, which are connected by a new-look black panel, maintain sequential turn signals, but get a new smoked appearance. (Ford)

Introducing the refreshed 2013 Mustang to the press, a Ford spokesman said the ponycar is an “emotional” design and the “most iconic car in Ford’s history.” For 2013 it’s upgraded and modernized, he said, while maintaining respect for Mustang heritage.

The GT coupe, base priced at $30,300, was a recent test car. Its exterior is pumped up with fresh styling at front and rear ends. The grille, lower opening and splitter are more robust and aggressively shaped. Centered in the grille’s honeycomb mesh is a dark-chrome pony logo. Inset into the grille is a pair of round LED foglamps, and the grille’s flanked by new-design high-intensity-discharge headlamps.

A pair of black heat extractors on the GT’s hood enhances style and function, helping to move hot air out of the engine compartment.

The effort to maintain heritage, yet modernize the appearance, results in an interesting treatment of the Mustang’s three-element taillamps, which are connected by a new-look black panel. Designers carried over the taillamps’ signature sequential turn signals, but gave them a new smoked appearance.

At the sides, rocker panels are changed from black to body color, creating what Ford says is a more-premium look.

New-design 18-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels make a statement with a sparkle-silver painted effect. Nineteen-inch alloys are a GT Premium optional.

Power to the wheels is via a more-potent 5.0-liter V-8 engine. Horsepower is upped by 8, for a 420 at 6,500 rpm output. Torque remains 390 lb.-ft. at 4,250 rpm. Ford recommends the Mustang’s 16-gallon tank be filled with 91-octane gas, but 87 octane can be used with some sacrifice in performance.

The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with new-for-2013 Hill Start Assist. SelectShift capability is added to the optional six-speed automatic transmission. This allows the driver to override automatic operation and have control to boost performance by allowing gears to be held to redline.

Estimated city/highway miles per gallon with the manual transmission is 15/26, and the automatic transmission gets 18/25.

New for 2013 is a GT Track Package, which is only available on manual models. The Track Package contributes to the car’s track credentials with an engine cooler, upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads and the same Torsen differential on the high-performance Boss 302.

Also contributing to the GT’s maneuverability is selectable-effort electric power steering, featuring three driver-selectable steering-effort settings.

Driving the GT on twisty mountain roads, I found the car to be stable and the steering to be responsive. Ride quality also is good, making the built-to-perform GT a civilized daily driver.

Interestingly, the test car is fitted with optional Recaro manual sport seats, which are available for GT models upholstered in leather or cloth.

Sync AppLink is offered to give users voice control of apps stored on their smartphones. Among the benefits are text messages read aloud; voice-activated music search; and voice control of entertainment via Bluetooth audio.